Here are the stories making the headlines locally and across the country this morning.
‘SNP to blame for cancer timebomb’ as Scots wait longer for care
Scotland is facing a cancer “timebomb on the SNP’s watch”, critics have warned, after new research revealed Scots face longer waiting times and lower treatment rates than other countries.
Patients waited on average more than two weeks longer for both chemotherapy and radiotherapy north of the border than people living in England.
The studies, carried out by the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP), co-funded by Cancer Research UK and published in The Lancet Oncology, showed lags compared with the rest of Britain, Norway and Australia.
Sandesh Gulhane, the Scottish Conservative health spokesman, said: "These damning studies expose the ticking timebomb Scotland is facing in relation to cancer cases on the SNP’s watch. It should be a source of shame for the SNP government that cancer patients here are waiting much longer to start treatment and have also received less treatment in the last five years."
The Scottish government published a ten-year cancer strategy last summer and said that the NHS’s performance has improved in recent years.
Read the full story in The Times.
Serica completes Greater Buchan Area farm-in
Serica Energy has completed its acquisition of a 30% non-operated interest in the Greater Buchan Area (GBA) redevelopment from Jersey Oil and Gas.
Serica announced its plans to farm-in to the GBA project in November last year, which covers the P2498 and P2170 licences.
The GBA covers several oil and gas accumulations around 150km north east of Aberdeen in the outer Moray Firth.
After completing the deal, Serica joins NEO Energy (50% and operator) and JOG (20%) as partners.
Lord Jacob Rothschild: Financier dies aged 87
Lord Jacob Rothschild, the financier and member of the Rothschild banking family, has died at the age of 87.
In a statement on Monday, his family called Lord Rothschild "a towering presence in many peoples' lives".
His career began at the family bank, NM Rothschild & Sons, before starting his own wealth management fund. He was also known for his philanthropy.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair paid tribute to his "dear friend" describing him as a "wonderful human being".
Aberdeen's Union Square centre sold in £111m deal
The Union Square shopping and leisure centre in Aberdeen has been sold in a £111m deal.
Its owner, property developer Hammerson, confirmed it had exchanged contracts with an affiliate of the US-based Lone Star real estate fund, with final completion expected by the end of March.
The shopping centre - which also includes a hotel, cinema and restaurants - opened in 2009.
Hammerson said the sale concluded a programme of disposing of its non-core assets.